Re: Popping Knee Help Please!

Thanks for the information.  I now see what confused me at first -
insurance company requirements, they can be a pain at at times.  I'm on
Medicare with an insurance supplement and did not need a referral to an
orthopedic surgeon, I just picked one out of the phone book and went to him
after checking him out on the Internet.  My primary care provider is about
15 miles away and I knew that if he were to send me to a specialist it would be
in Seattle and it would have been a horrible 35 mile commute.  So, I picked
a guy who specializes in sports injuries because I wanted to run again (can't
though) or at least someone who sympathized with my goal.  I do walk a lot,
loads in fact.  This guy himself is a marathoner so I know that his goal is
to do his best, and I have found out since choosing him that he is the best
orthopedic MD in my locale.

I was totally unaware of how much I had been altering my running and walking
due to the wear and tear on the knee.  I had problems for 25-30 years
before the first replacement.  Prior to surgery it was pointed out to me
how much smaller my right thigh was than my left (I'm right footed, though left
handed, so it was a real surprise) and the fact that I was knock kneed from wear
and tear.  All of that means that I had to build up those muscles after
surgery, and I'm actually still working on it - even from the surgery 3 years
ago.

I also took Glucosamine and Chondroitin for at least 10 years prior to
original surgery expecting that it would repair my knees.  It had no affect
on them whatsoever.  

My last physical therapist has been a real blessing in rehabilitating both of
my knees through exercise.  After my experience with her I learned that my
first PT didn't really know what he was doing so my suggestion is - if you can,
try and find one that specializes in knees.  It really does help.

Hope you recover fully.